Update on Randwick bus

As blog readers will know when I first was elected May 2006 a big issue was the fact that the local bus service through the village was stopped. There are many blog entries on this - the reasons, hopes etc - finally all this time on last night the County Council sent a representatitive to the Parish meeting.

Photo: bus from a while back

I was at Full Council so couldn't be there but here is Pam Thorne, the Village Agent's notes (which she kindly let me copy here):

Last night was very worthwhile - 7 bus users turned up and I think Bill Carr from the transport department has got the message! The thing about the no. 37 coming up further (too large) was ruled out but I think he took on board:
• Dial a Ride is great for occasional journeys but they want a regular bus service they can rely on;
• The old route through the Lane would be preferred but the times need to revert to the original timetable - the current company changed it slightly so that the afternoon bus was trying to go through when the mothers were collecting children from school;
• the original bus company were superior in lots of ways (although current drivers are fine) - they were more reliable and had a system for sending alternatives if anything went wrong (the ladies reported lots of non-appearances of buses with the current company - Bill gave them the phone number to always report these 01452 426343;
• a smaller vehicle is needed, and one with easier access;
• any future meetings should be advertised on the bus itself so maximum no of people know about it.

The next step is to follow up and see what the County can come back with - but at least they heard from those bus users.